AIC Yearbook 2012

American International Club of Geneva

American International Club of Geneva

Yearbook 2012

201 2

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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

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Contents 4 -5

President’s Message Club History

13

2012 Executive Committee

17

Message from the Membership Chair

21-33

2011 Speakers

37

Golf

39

Tennis

41- 43

4th of July

44 - 47

AIC’s 60 th Anniversary Celebration

48 -51

Thanksgiving

53

Cultural Events

55

Corporate Partnership Program

59-61 63

Contents

3

AIC Articles of Association Guest article – The Secret is in the Sauce

American International Club of Geneva Hôtel InterContinental Ch. Petit-Saconnex 7-9 P.O. Box 361 1211 Geneva 19

Tel: +41 22 910 25 80 Fax: +41 22 733 62 52

admin@amclub.ch

www.amclub.ch Printing: Imprimerie Villière (www.imprimerie-villiere.com) Design: Simon Heptonstall (www.simonh.ch)

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

2

Ferring – for life

Headquartered in Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology.

Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 50 countries and markets its products in more than 90 countries. To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit www.ferring.com

MEDICINE ON THE BODY’S OWN TERMS

3

From the President D

Membership and Member Benefits The AIC currently is 900 members strong. Membership is the lifeblood of our Club. We have ambitious targets in place for 2012 and would like to grow our membership back above the critical 1,000 member level before the end of the year. The best source of new members is from you, our active current Club members. Please continue to “Think AIC”. Invite friends, co-workers

and any new arrivals to Geneva to an upcoming event and encourage them to become a member.

Many Club members are still unaware of the incredible benefits the AIC offers. For instance, AIC members are entitled to a 15% discount to Manor. Need a new TV? You just paid for your AIC annual membership by using this one benefit.

Discounts on airlines, shops, newspapers, computers, rental cars, fitness clubs, and language courses are some of the current benefits with more being constantly added.

Speakers Our Speaker Events continue to be one of the AIC’s signature events.

No other Club in Geneva offers such consistent and high level speakers as the AIC and 2012 is proving to be another exciting year.

Professional Programs Several Professional Programs are scheduled for 2012. These events tend to be smaller, more targeted events, built around specific themes.

Corporate Partnership Programs Our Corporate Partners are deeply appreciated. The AIC offers our Corporate Partners tremendous visibility to the American and English speaking international community in the Lac Leman area.

Sporting Events Golf, Tennis, Curling… the AIC offers something for all sports enthusiasts. 2012 will continue to be another great sporting year for the Club.

Cultural Events Guided museum visits in English and a chance to socialize with art

lovers are some of the reasons our Cultural Events are so popular with a specific AIC member set. 2012 will continue to have an active calendar.

Civic Concerns Community out reach, fundraising for a local charity, and other events to give something back to the community that we all feel so fortunate to be a part of are all in store in the upcoming year.

4th of July Our annual American Independence Day celebration continues to be one of our most popular events. Rain or shine – BBQ, fun and games, dancing, and lots of good times will be had at our annual family 4th of July.

Election Night Every four years, the AIC holds an all-night Election Party. This November’s event is sure to be one of the best yet in the Club’s history.

Our Election Committee is already in the advanced planning stages to bring this historical night live to the greater Geneva community.

As you can see from the above, we have a full schedule for 2012. All of these events and activities have been put together for one reason – you our members. You are the reason the AIC exists. We value your input and feedback and look forward to meeting, networking, socializing, and having fun together throughout the coming year.

All the best and I look forward to seeing you personally at a future event.

Edward Karr President

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President’s Message

ear AIC Members: I would like to personally thank our outgoing President Mr John Silvin, who has provided tremendous energy, vision, and leadership for our Club over the years. John has left large shoes for me to fill and I am humbled at the chance to do so. I will do my very best to justify the trust you have placed in me and intend to continue to develop the Club to meet the varied interests of our members in this an important US Presidential election year.

A very brief bio on myself – I am an American (born in NY) and have lived in Geneva since 1997. Mine is a typical expat story – I moved to Geneva for a job and ended up staying for the quality of life this city has to offer. I joined the AIC right after moving to Geneva in 1998 and have been on the Executive Committee for many years. As much as I enjoy living in Geneva, I find the AIC the ideal venue to keep me in touch with my American roots and meet likeminded people.

We have an exciting year ahead of us for the AIC. Let me hit on some of the specific initiatives we have in store for you in 2012.

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Highlights Club History

1951 May 17: birth of the American Club of Geneva.

1953 Foreign associate membership increases to 20%.

1956 Foreign associate membership increases again, to 33.3%. Civic concerns begin: the Club gives Fr. 1,345 to local charities. The first 4th of July picnic is held at the Parc des Eaux-Vives. First Thanksgiving dinner-dance is organized for 378 guests. First Election Night party is held at the American Community House.

1982 Traditional formal 4th of July dinner-dance is replaced with themes like Château Shindig, Friday Night Fever, Helvetian Hoedown and Roaring 20s.

1991 40th anniversary. The Club presents an ammonite to the Museum of Natural History.

1992 After a survey showing member interest, the following are established: young professionals activities program, professional programs and seminars, multi-page newsletter, corporate partnership program, external club relations group and a Thursday evening Happy Hour.

1967 Foreign non-voting associate membership increases to 40%.

1968 Big year. The Club adds “International” to its title to become “The American International Club of Geneva.” Associate members become non-American voting members. Fulltime executive assistant is appointed.

1993 First woman appointed to the Executive Committee.

1994 Big year. Adolf Ogi, President of the Swiss Confederation, heads an AIC Forum. Sir Peter Ustinov stars at the 500th luncheon.

1971 Executive Committee goes classic American with a president and 3 vice presidents, two always American.

1979 Big year. Membership eligibility clause changes from “all adult male individuals” to “all adult individuals.” The purpose of the Club now is a) to foster friendly relations among Club members and members of the community in which they live, and b) to develop and participate in events, meetings and other activities of topical, educational, cultural, benevolent or diversionary interests to the membership.

1980 Election Night party joins in the excitement live on TV via satellite. Smash hit! Repeated in 1988, 1992,1996 and (whew!) the longest night in 2000.

1995 Successful Corporate Partnership Program is launched.

2001 50th anniversary. 40,000 people attend the free 4th of July party.

2002 First female President, Janet Voûte, elected for 2003. 50-year story is published.

2006 Pierre Imfeld retires after 30 years of exemplary service, following his wife Patricia who retired in 2004.

2007 Nicholas Negroponte, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of MIT Media Lab, heads the CEO Forum.

Ambassador Membership Category is successfully launched. New Director, Kirsten Stromstad, is appointed to take over from Pierre Imfeld.

2008 AIC successfully “re-launched” our historic US National Day celebration in a smaller, family-oriented version at the Parc des Evaux, Onex. 410 members including their families & friends of all ages attended the event. The membership of the AIC approved new Articles of Association which update the Club’s Constitution & By-Laws last revised in 1987.

2011 60th anniversary. Gala evening with more than 200 AIC members and their guests.

Left: 78th American Club luncheon with Actress Jayne Mansfield, 21 October 1957.

Above: Menu for 5 th Anniversary Luncheon, 1956

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

5

Club History T

The first president was Henry W. Dunning. The cost of lunch at the Hôtel des Bergues at that time was Fr. 10 per person.

Henry St. Leger, the Club’s first Treasurer and its second President, sent a letter that included these points about the Club’s original formation: • In forming the Club we decided that we should be at least 100 strong.

• We settled for 35 and a lot of promises.

• From the start we decided the 4th of July celebration should be a major Club activity.

• The Speakers Program has always been the most important item.

• Our very first speaker was banker Fred Bates, just back from Japan, and talking on the hot-potato item of General MacArthur’s dismissal.

“Let’s form an American Men’s Club in Geneva like the one Ben Franklin founded in Paris.”

Henry St. Leger, 1951

Clockwise from Top: Original Founders Henry St. Leger (left) and Henry W. Dunning (right), with Francis E. Willis (center), US ambassador to Switzerland.

President Dunning introducing a guest speaker, 20 December, 1951.

‘American Beauties’, Thanksgiving 1952.

Club History

he American International Club was born as The American Club of Geneva on Thursday, May 17, 1951. The original idea came from Henry St. Leger, International Standards Organization and Henry W. Dunning, League of Red Cross Societies. Its first constitution established that “the purpose of this organization shall be to foster and promote friendly relationships among American men residing or sojourning in Switzerland.” It limited membership to male American citizens, but provided for up to 15% “foreign” associate members.

The other “founding fathers” were: Henry Adkins, Centre d’Etudes Industrielles; Lynn Heinzerling; Associated Press; James MacFarland, US Consulate General; Robert Lead, US Attaché to the Legation; Robert Seaman, Union Carbide; Peter Strauss, International Labor Office; Tracy Strong, World Committee, YMCA; Alexander Tuck; Edward Ward, US Consul General.

7

AIC Presidents & Vice Presidents Henry W. Dunning (P)

1963

League of Red Cross Societies Alexander J. M. Tuck (VP) Lynn Heinzerling (VP) 1953

Henry St. Leger (P)

1964

Int’l Organization for Standardization Alexander J. M. Tuck (VP) Carl Lundquist (VP) 1954

Alexander J.M. Tuck (P)

Walter McKee (P)

1965

James M. Read (P)

1966

Gerald C. Gross (P)

1967

Jerome S. Peterson (P)

1968

1969

1960

1961

John F. Thomas (P) I.C.E.M.

Jacques Wolfgang (VP) Luke W. Finlay (VP)

Charles R. Strommer (P)

Garrett International SA Hank Ketcham (VP) Thomson A. Moore (VP) Kurt Emch (VP) 1971

Mark A. Clements (P)

Caterpillar Overseas SA Richard B. Dozier (VP) Charles H. Mace (VP) Henry Huguenin (VP)

Lowell B. Nelson (P)

Tradax Ralph C. Dudrow, Jr. (VP) Jacques Wolfgang (VP) 1962

1970

Robert J. Clark (P)

North American Aviation Kenneth McNeil (VP) Ralph C. Dudrow, Jr. (VP)

Russell C. Nelson (P)

DuPont de Nemours International SA Charles R. Strommer (VP) Hank Ketcham (VP) Charles H. Mace (VP)

John H. Gayer (P)

International Telecommunication Union Robert J. Clark (VP) Jack Lisle (VP)

Daniel P. Wilson (P)

IBM World Trade Corporation Russell C. Nelson (VP) Robert M. Churchwell (VP)

World Health Organization John H. Gayer (VP) Robert J. Clark (VP) 1959

Ralph C. Harpham (P)

First National City Bank Daniel P. Wilson (VP) Russell C. Nelson (VP)

International Telecommunication Union Jerome S. Peterson (VP) John H. Gayer (VP) 1958

Georges D. Comnas (P)

Esso Africa Inc. Peter Regis (VP) Daniel P. Wilson (VP)

Wilmington College Gerald C. Gross (VP) Harding F. Bancroft (VP) 1957

George P. Wilson (P)

Pan American World Airways Howard A. Flanigan (VP) Peter Regis (VP)

Ford Motor Corporation James M. Read (VP) Gerald C. Gross (VP) 1956

Robert C. Mitchell (P)

Chrysler Corporation George P. Wilson (VP) Robert B. Jones (VP)

Retired Walter McKee (VP) James M. Read (VP) 1955

Jacques Wolfgang (P)

Golay Fils & Stahl SA Robert C. Mitchell (VP) George P. Wilson (VP)

1972

Charles H. Mace (P) UN High Commissioner for Refugees Richard B. Dozier (VP) Lawrence North (VP) Georges Henri Martin (VP)

Club History

1952

8

AIC Presidents & Vice Presidents Club History

1973

Richard B. Dozier (P)

1982

Beckman Instruments Process SA Gene Otsea (VP) Claude L. Marshall (VP) Walter Etienne (VP) 1974

Claude L. Marshall (P)

1983

Marsteller International SA Matt Nilsen (VP) Montague H. March (VP) Frederick Rochat (VP) 1975

Montague H. March (P)

George W. Ince (P)

1984

John D. Leighton (P)

1985

1986

John D. Leighton (P) Procter & Gamble AG William A. Julian (VP) Charles D. Harless (VP) Erwin A. Gerner (VP)

1987

1979

William A. Julian (P)

1988

Henry A. G. King (P)

Citicorp Bank (Switzerland) SA Charles D. Harless (VP) Robert von der Luft (VP) Herbert Schott (VP) Charles D. Harless (P)

Caterpillar Overseas SA Richard J. Piliero (VP) Robert von der Luft (VP) Donald Etienne (VP)

TMG Participations SA John C. Moore, Jr. (VP) Robert N. Ossenbeck (VP) Roland Berney (VP) Don V. W. Person (P) Arthur Andersen SA John C. Moore, Jr. (VP) James W. Owens (VP) Roland B. Jakober (VP)

1989

Don V. W. Person (P)

1990

Arthur Andersen SA Henry A. G. King (VP) William R. Haycraft (VP) Felix Zumelzu (VP)

Henry A. G. King (P)

Citicorp Bank (Switzerland) SA Robert von der Luft (VP) Richard D. Whetstone (VP) Jean-Claude Peterschmitt (VP)

1978

1981

Neil B. Mowrey (P)

Hotel Atlantic Henry A. G. King (VP) Rolla McMullen (VP) Jean-Claude Peterschmitt (VP)

Procter & Gamble AG Kenneth G. Clarke (VP) John W. McDonald (VP) Claude Basset (VP)

1980

Neil B. Mowrey (P)

Hotel Atlantic Kenneth G. Clarke (VP) Rolla McMullen (VP) André Tombet (VP)

Caterpillar Overseas SA John D. Leighton (VP) Kenneth G. Clarke (VP) Georges Desbaillets (VP) 1977

Thomas H. Cable, Jr. (P)

Union Carbide Europe SA Neil B. Mowrey (VP) H. Alfred Solomon (VP) André Tombet (VP)

Business International SA Robert Glass (VP) Gene Otsea (VP) Roland Berney (VP) 1976

Thomas H. Cable, Jr. (P)

Union Carbide Europe SA Neil B. Mowrey (VP) H. Alfred Solomon (VP) Gustave Barbey (VP)

Charles D. Harless (P)

Caterpillar Overseas SA Robert von der Luft (VP) Richard J. Piliero (VP) Peter Schreve (VP) Richard J. Piliero (P)

TDB American Express Bank Thomas E. Marsh (VP) John Kennedy (VP) Marc Bigler (VP)

9

AIC Presidents & Vice Presidents Richard J. Piliero (P)

2000

TDB American Express Bank John G. McCarthy, Jr. (VP) John Kennedy (VP) Alain Borner (VP) 1992

Richard J. Piliero (P)

2001

American Express Bank John G. McCarthy, Jr. (VP) Anthony Piel (VP) Alain Borner (VP) 1993

John G. McCarthy, Jr. (P)

John G. McCarthy, Jr. (P)

2002

James B. Bissell (P)

2003

James B. Bissell (P)

2004

Roy Ryan (P)

2005

Roy Ryan (P)

2006

Jeffrey Kelley (P)

Du Pont de Nemours International SA Robert Race (VP) Janet Voûte (VP) Robert Joggi (VP)

James Risch (P)

JP Morgan (Suisse) SA Jeff Ix (VP) John Silvin (VP) Charris Yadigaroglou (VP) 2007

Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue James Peterson (VP) Jeffrey Kelley (VP) Eric Schaerer (VP) 1999

James Risch (P)

JP Morgan (Suisse) SA Jeff Ix (VP) John Silvin (VP) Charris Yadigaroglou (VP)

Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue James Peterson (VP) Jeffrey Kelley (VP) Eric Schaerer (VP) 1998

Janet Voûte (P)

World Heart Federation James Risch (VP) John Silvin (VP) Brian Wright (VP)

Hôpital de la Tour Roy Ryan (VP) James Peterson (VP) Claude-Alain Borloz (VP) 1997

Janet Voûte (P)

World Heart Federation James Risch (VP) John Silvin (VP) Brian Wright (VP)

Hôpital de la Tour Roy Ryan (VP) Robert von der Luft (VP) Claude-Alain Borloz (VP) 1996

Robert Spencer (P)

Webster University John Silvin (VP) Janet Voûte (VP) Pierre Poyet (VP)

John McCarthy Associates James Bissell (VP) Norman Collins (VP) Fuad O. Kuraytim (VP) 1995

Robert Spencer (P)

Webster University John Silvin (VP) Janet Voûte (VP) Alain Robert (VP)

Korn/Ferry International SA Norman Collins (VP) James Bissell (VP) Fuad O. Kuraytim (VP) 1994

Jeffrey Kelley (P)

Du Pont de Nemours International SA Robert Race (VP) Janet Voûte (VP) Robert Joggi (VP)

John J. Silvin (P) IAM SA Jeff Ix (VP) Tal Schibler (VP)

Charris Yadigaroglou (VP) 2008

John J. Silvin (P) IAM SA

Joanna Corsaro (VP) Tal Schibler (VP) Charris Yadigaroglou (VP)

Club History

1991

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11

AIC Presidents & Vice Presidents John J. Silvin (P)

Independent Financial Advisor Joanna Corsaro (VP) Tal Schibler (VP) Charris Yadigaroglou (VP) 2010

Tal Schibler (P)

Schibler Hovagemyan Attorneys Edward Karr (VP) Carolyn J. Lutz (VP) 2011

John J. Silvin (P)

Independent Financial Advisor Edward Karr (VP) Edward Flaherty (VP) Reto Egger (VP)

Club History

2009

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13

2012 Executive Committee Officers

Edward Flaherty Vice President and Members’ Benefits Co-chair

Reto Egger Vice President and Club Development Committe Co-chair

Ambassador Donald Beyer Honorary Vice President

Ambassador Betty King Honorary Vice President

Carlo Lamprecht Honorary Vice President and Speakers’ Committee

Patricia Imfeld Honorary Member

Pierre Imfeld Honorary Member

Fabrice Pasquier Treasurer and Office Administration Chair

2012 Executive Committee

Edward Karr President

Chand Kaul Secretary and Competitive Events Chair

Elected Executive Committee

Laura Cantini Fisher

Jean-Luc Chopard

Jill Daugherty

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

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2012 Executive Committee Advisory Members 2012 Executive Committee

Robert Spencer Speaker’s Committee Chair

Tal Schibler Former President and Election Night Chair

John J. Silvin Former President and Corporate Partnership Chair

Elected Club Development Members

Roy Ryan Club Development Chair

Jean-Max Arbez Club Development

John McCarthy Club Development

Claude Baumann Communications Advisor

Mary Bernasconi Civic Concerns Chair

Committee Chairs

Ron Banks 4th July Committee Chair

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

Jean-Frédéric Berthoud Vaud Corporate Companies Liaison

15

2012 Executive Committee Committee Chairs (cont’d)

Alain Chalouhi Corporate Partnership Co-chair

Douglas Griffiths US Government Liaison

Michel Perret Hotel Liaison and Food & Beverages

Jean-Claude Peterschmitt Speakers Committee Chair Emeritus

Robert Race Cultural Events Chair

AndrĂŠ Tombet Legal Advisor

Eric Veillard Corporate Partnership Co-chair

Carolyn J. Lutz Professional Program Chair

Deborah Smith Competitive Events Co-chair

Administration

Kirsten Stromstad Executive Director

Elaine Christen Administrative Assistant

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

2012 Executive Committee

James Bissell Nominating Committee Chair

A landmark year Our journey has brought us a long way from our roots in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And, even though JTI has been growing and investing in Geneva for over 45-years, our story here is only beginning. This year, we broke ground on an exciting building that will accommodate 1100 JTI employees, and bring a new landmark to the SÊcheron–Nations area.

JTI is driven by the creativity of 25,000 diverse, enquiring minds made up of 90 nationalities.

Imagine the potential.

jti.com

17

From the Membership Chair

D

curling, top rated cultural experiences, opportunities to assist the community, and much more.

I summarize these programs and events to emphasize what membership is all about: great people coming together to participate in unique, fun experiences and to nurture long-lasting friendships, all while developing themselves personally and professionally.

While we had tremendous progress in 2011, we as a club should always look to further improve our member experience.

In 2010 we began initiatives to improve the experience for all AIC members and have made steady progress. Members now exclusively sign up for events online which helps our Executive Staff have more time to concentrate on improving club experience and producing flawless events. We are also hopping on the social media bandwagon with presence on LinkedIn and Facebook. We encourage you to get involved with the discussions by going to www.facebook.com/aicofgeneva

While you’re there, don’t forget to “like us”! Moreover, don’t forget to join our LinkedIn group. LinkedIn is a tremendous tool to help form and maintain your network and learn about AIC related events.

Of course we still have tremendous AIC exclusive member incentives that benefit you financially and make your membership even more valuable. We have several initiatives in the works for 2012 that we feel will improve this value even more, so keep an eye out in the future for more great incentives.

As strong as we are, we need to constantly work to keep our Club strong and offer the highest quality experience for our members while keeping financially solid. To do this I once again ask for your help.

How can you help? First and foremost, invite a guest and come join us at one of our events! Are you using Facebook and/or LinkedIn? If so, promote the AIC on your pages and encourage your

Get Involved!

• Welcome companies new to the area • Play a proactive recruitment role • Welcome new & potential members at events • Identify companies ready to offer added value to members

contacts to visit one of our pages or groups. Additionally, encourage colleagues, friends, and family to attend an event as your guest. You can even take it one step further and simply ask them to join AIC! However you choose to be involved, the best thing is just to be involved. We have an extraordinary club with something to offer everyone. We encourage you to take a look at the upcoming events and plan to attend. AIC is, after all, YOUR club, so enjoy your club and help others to enjoy the experiences as well. We wish all our members a wonderful 2012!

Dan Zwerski 2011 Membership Chair

Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

Membership

ear fellow AIC Members: As we move into 2012, we would once again like to thank all of our members, corporate partners, and friends for their continued support, participation, and enthusiasm during 2011!

Our overall membership numbers declined slightly from 900 in 2010 to 833, from 54 different nationalities, by the end of 2011.

Nevertheless, our membership base remains strong. Given the economic challenges the international community is still experiencing, this is encouraging. Why have we remained strong? It is mainly due to our Executive Committee and club members who enthusiastically promote our club and the advantages of being a member.

However, that is not the only reason! Club members at all levels have worked extremely hard to provide quality, relevant programs that enhance the member experience.

Our Speakers’ Committee provided us with an outstanding group of speakers this year! I urge you to look further into the yearbook for a summary. When looking at the quality of speakers we had, compared with other clubs in the area, we feel we had the best overall group.

The Professional Programs also helped members improve their professional lives. We had wonderful programs on everything from how to properly defend yourself to how to improve your network.

From a more social perspective, members from all stages of life came together to enjoy spectacular views and camaraderie on the golf course, challenging tennis matches,

19

Ambassador Membership M

2012 Ambassador Members Philip Adler Sophie Aguettant Manuel Aranzana Jean-Max Arbez George Badran James B. Bissell Thomas H. Cable Jr. Alain Chalouhi Robert J. Clark Thierry Colomb Guillaume Cramer Alan Cranston Daniel C. Crosby Kevin Crowley Jill Daugherty Charles P. De Boissezon Anne-Marie De Weck Richard B. Dozier

Pascal Favre Marco Fedrigucci Emmanuel Ferry Edward Patrick Flaherty Nicolas Froelicher Warren Furth John H. Gayer Olivier Gereke Anais Gfeller Rolf Gobet Bertrand Harsch Anne Hornung-Soukup George W. Ince Paul G. Jeremaes Bill Julian Edward Karr Chand Kaul Jeffrey Kelley

event per year open only to Ambassador Members. For 2011, the Ambassador members event consisted of an opportunity to tour Elite Rent a Car’s fleet of exotic sports cars, magnificent sedans, and even eco friendly SUVs. Of course not only did they have a chance to view them, they had a chance to DRIVE them! Members enjoyed motoring to its best by driving from Geneva to Rolle in non other than a BMW 6 Series GT550, Mercedes SLS AMG 500, Porsche Panamera, and Lexus Hybrid SUV. Of course the experience would not have been complete without taking a Ferrari California out of the stable!

So what do Ambassador Members have to look forward to after such a wonderful 2011? While not officially completed, it is almost concluded that Ambassador Members will be eligible to skip the long security lines at Geneva Airport. AIC is teaming up with Geneva Airport to allow Ambassador Members take advantage of the quick security check gate that allows you to skip the traditional security line. You should be soon be able to add saving time to your list of Ambassador Member benefits.

We urge all AIC members and potential members to consider signing up or upgrading to Ambassador Membership. While we understand it is not for everyone, at only CHF 450.00 per year, it gives you a way to even better support your club while enjoying exclusive benefits. Why not sign up today?

Dan Zwerski 2011 Membership Chair

Henry A.G. King Pierre Lagger Nicholas Lamb David-Peter Le Jean-Marc Leroux LĂŠonard Madussi Germana Mariani Claude Marshall John McCarthy Thomas McCoy Neil B. Mowrey Lowell B. Nelson Russell C. Nelson Yves Oltramare Fabrice Pasquier Don Person Michel Pettigrew Richard Piliero Irena Rhodes James Risch Philippe Rodrigues

Anders Romberg Hugo Roppel Robert J.B. Rossborough Alexis Roussel Hans Rueedi Roy F. Ryan Rolf Sauter Tal Schibler Herbert Schott Viktor Sekmakas John J. Silvin Jan Sissener Paul Sobon Robert Spencer Charles Strommer Jean Sussli Pierre-Yves Tiberghien Janet Voute Erik Wagenaar Arthur G. Wiederkehr Daniel P. Wilson

Membership

embership has its privileges! While you may of heard that statement before, it truly applies to AIC members who want to take their membership to a new level!

Right away, we wish to thank all the Ambassador Members who have invested in the AIC to share their additional support. Please scan their names at the bottom of the page. Even better, the next time you see a gold membership card attached to a member, thank them for their additional support of AIC! In addition to all the normal AIC member benefits such as exclusive discount offers that range from lodging to shopping, and even car repair, ambassador members also enjoy many additional benefits.

The first is that you are immediately recognized as a top level supporter by having a unique gold membership card to display during Club events. Additional recognition is provided by you being personally mentioned on AIC website, newsletters, and our course the yearbook.

Whether it be additional exposure for business or personal reasons, being an AIC Ambassador Member, will allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Finding a seat at a great table location during an AIC event will not be a problem as an Ambassador Member!

Ambassador Members enjoy a reserved member table close to the head table and speakers podium for a truly wonderful event experience. Moreover, as space permits, Ambassador Members may be invited to join the Club President, featured speaker, and other distinguished guests at the AIC event head table.

Finally, Ambassador Members enjoy one exclusive

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

Stylianos Antonarakis Professor of Medical Genetics, University of Geneva Medical School and Director, Division of Medical Genetics, University and Cantonal Hospital of Geneva

The Genome: Alphabet and Architect of Life 28 January, 2011

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o relaxed, speaking without notes, Dr. Antonarakis explained to AIC members and guests that the genome, or genetics, can be compared to a book of information/instructions, a long text of only four letters: A, C, G and T. The genome (the book) is the blueprint of life. This big book is very useful for biology, and for medicine and health, today’s subject. For physicians the book is important for

matchmaking part of the genome to about $10,000 and the cost is rapidgenetic disorders. ly approaching the $1,000 goal – More, in this book there are 23 and will take just 2 weeks. This gechapters, each made up of millions netic revolution, which Dr. of the letters. And the Antonarakis predicts will chapters, which represent happen within his profesbillions of letters, fit into sional lifetime, is both This genetic a nucleus the size of a exciting and scary. revolution is pinpoint. Finally, at least Dr. Antonarakis one copy of the whole showed a pie chart disboth exciting book is contained in playing that individual and scary every single cell in our human genomes are body. A small portion of 99.1% identical! the human genome is Common variants, a 9984 nucleotides – and the total measly 0.2%, and the rare variants, genome is 310,000 just 0.7%, are responsible for what times bigger! makes you and me and all of us, difThe Human ferent from one another. A cell is Genome Project renewed every 10 minutes, but un(HGP) began in fortunately the copy mechanism is 1990 with the aim not always accurate, therefore every of determining the genome is different. So, every indientire genetic code vidual on earth is unique (except of one individual. identical twins, but even these can It took 15 years to differ in a few sequences). Xerox get the complete has a big competitor! sequence at a cost Genetic predisposition is the inof more than $3 teraction between changes in the billion. Today the entire genetic environment and the DNA composicode of an individual can be detertion. To help us understand that better, Dr. Antonarakis made a parmined in a matter of 4 weeks for

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

allel between the genome and the financial interest rate principle: depending on our genetic makeup, we could either be healthier (earn more) or have a stronger probability to be ill (earn less). But there must be variability in order for species to survive. It’s a gift of nature, but there’s “no free lunch”: the price of survival is that some of us have disorders/get sick… it’s the change in the gene that causes the disorder.

So, sequencing the human genome sequence (genome anatomy) is leading to tremendous benefits to medicine such as understanding monogenic disorders, polygenic complex disorders, various cancers, and providing accurate diagnosis, determining predisposition to disorders as well as opportunities for novel treatments, and individualized medicine. We already have learned lessons from monogenic disorders, such as genetic heterogeneity, penetrance and modification of the phenotype.

The challenge now is to identify and understand what predisposes mankind to a myriad of common disorders. The gene? The environment?

At this point in time most sequencing projects only sequence a tiny window (the coding part of the genome, around 1%) in the genomic space. That’s why it’s too early to solicit online genome analysis companies like Navigenics and deCODEme who cannot yet provide trustworthy, useful information for evaluating predisposition of genetic disease. Moreover, Dr. Antonarakis says, it would wreak havoc to name the disorder if we cannot do anything about it… yet.

Dr. Antonarakis’s prognosis for the next 3 to 5 years? The New Yorker will start to run ads such as

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cant other” was too busy or forgot “here’s my sequence?” or that it was February 14th.

“Electoral/political adversaries will Mr. Muller highlighted three inihave to provide their sequence.” tiatives that are currently on the Here we face not only ethical but table to help move legal quagmires for which Geneva forward with its you cite a general dogma Being “Challenges & in medicine, “Oedipus the Valentine’s Opportunities”, the first King” tyranny of knowledge, and “What’s past is day, all ladies being the creation of a 2nd downtown “green city” prologue.”, William received a near what is now Acacias Shakespeare, The rose – Les Vernets. This project Tempest. The up-sides would involve the conand potential down-sides struction of office and housing of this genetic revolution are both premises to help alleviate the current exciting and scary! shortage of both.

Although the human genome A second initiative was recently may still remain rocket science to accepted (in principle) by the most of us, it’s nowhere near as Conseil d’Etat to help resolve traffic mysterious as before Dr. congestion, especially for those Antonarakis guided us through wanting to transit the city. A final Genetics 101. decision could be taken by mid2011 and the favored alternative Ann Richter would involve the construction of a bridge instead of a tunnel. The starting and ending locations are yet to be determined and will depend on the financing. Bridge vs tunnel discussions have been ongoing for Former President of the Geneva Conseil d’Etat many years and now that a final decision is imminent, construction Geneva’s Future: Challenges could commence as “early as 2020” & Opportunities once the financing has been finalized. A bridge won over a tunnel 14 February, 2011 primarily because of various cont the AIC’s 695th luncheon on Monday, February 14, 2011, Mark Muller, President of the Geneva Conseil d’Etat responsible for the “Département des Constructions et des Technologies de l’Information” (DCTI) spoke to approximately 50 members and guests at the Hotel InterContinental on the subject “Geneva’s Future: Challenges & Opportunities”.

Being Valentine’s Day, all ladies received a rose in case their “signifi-

Mark Muller

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Speakers 2011

Bruce Adams

Anne Héritier Lachat Chair of the Board of Directors, Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)

Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets: Mission Impossible?

March 25th, 2011

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n March 25, 2011, Anne Héritier Lachat clarified the mission and goals of FINMA, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, for which she was recently elected Chair, to a group of 93 attendees at the American International Club’s 696th luncheon, held at the Hotel InterContinental.

According to the Federal Act on the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority’s Article 5, FINMA’s aim is to protect creditors,

investors, and insured persons, and not mean more regulation,” to ensure the proper functioning of FINMA’s Chair explained. financial markets in accordance The third and final objective is to with financial market legislation. ensure better protection of individuThe Authority’s creation consolials in terms of financial markets, dates the activities of the especially when they have former Swiss Federal to work with the profesWe want the Banking Commission, the sionals in the distribution banks to show Federal Office of Private of products. “We are not Insurance, and the Antithe first in the class on a us that they Money Laundering global scale, nor do we know where Control Authority, with want to be the first,” their risks are the goal of reinforcing Mrs. Héritier Lachat Switzerland’s image and commented. “Our pricompetitiveness as a financial center. mary concern is to meet the risks “We are not a regulatory authorthat we face right now in ity. We are a supervisory authority Switzerland.” and it is very different,” Mrs. Mrs. Héritier Lachat said the Héritier Lachat said. “I can assure Authority is becoming more intruyou that all our activity in the field sive by asking more questions to of regulation is a very limited activifind more efficient ways to work ty. It is much more with auditors. interesting to suFINMA is trying pervise and to find to see and to unout how reguladerstand what the tion works, how it market does, and does not work, what the players and how it could in the market do, work better,” she so it can have a said. more critical disThe Chair cussion with clearly defined auditors. This is FINMA’s immedian evolution from ate strategic the model of indiobjectives for the rect supervision attendees. The first is to strengthen based on the law of 1934 that had resistance to crisis. “That is the reabeen used thus far, according to son we have new capital and Mrs. Héritier Lachat. However, she liquidity provisions and that is also said FINMA still encourages autowhy we are getting more intrusive in regulation when governance of risks,” she said. “We appropriate/necessary. want the banks to show us that they “We now have more discussions know where their risks are and that with the auditors and we are giving they know how to manage them. them special mandates to supervise, The second objective is to better to check things more specifically adapt supervision to risks. than we did before,” Mrs. Héritier “Increased risks mean increased suLachat explained. “We also have a very transparent way of working pervision. In some cases this leads to with all the players in the field of more direct supervision, but it does

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2011 Activities

cerns and regulations related to large trucks in a tunnel.

The third and final initiative will focus on security with a complete overhaul of the police department and the way the police carry out their responsibilities.

The Q&A session included a number of questions following up on the bridge vs tunnel project, the current adverse publicity involving Mr. Muller and local housing, and comparisons between what other large cities in Switzerland (Zurich and Lausanne) are doing versus Geneva during these challenging times.

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

regulation: namely, all the associations of bankers, insurers, auditors,” she said. “And we make the results of our consultations public.”

One concern for several people in attendance was how to improve conditions to open bank accounts more easily, especially for those who hold dual Swiss-American citizenship.

Mrs. Héritier Lachat commented that it would typically be the work of “l’Association Suisse des banquiers” to improve the general business conditions applied to open accounts.

“FINMA is trying to be more competent, to have a lighter touch in some fields, and to supervise much more according to risks,” Mrs. Héritier Lachat said. The Authority does this by categorizing into groups, from one to five, all the entities it supervises, with five being the group needing the least supervision.

Tara S. Kerpelman, www.tiyemedia.com

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Navanethem Pillay

and protect our rights and the rights of others,” Ms. Pillay said.

The obstacles standing in the way of human rights are discrimination, UN High Commissioner for Human inequality, violence, impunity, poverRights ty, and exclusion, Ms. Pillay said.

Human Rights Matter “Without independent and effective judiciaries, and legislative branches, April 15th, 2011 law enforcement agencies, and nanited Nations High Comtional human rights institutions, missioner for Human Rights, countries lack the foundations for Ms. Navi Pillay, spoke to sustainable peace,” she said. students, professors, bankers, and In March, for the first time ever, other businesspeople, about the ima US Secretary of State participated portance of solving human rights to in the High Level Segment of the solve today’s global problems. The Human Rights Council. “It was a American Internavery welcome – tional Club of if overdue – sigGeneva’s 697th nal that the US luncheon was cohad fully reenhosted by the gaged in British-Swiss institutions that Chamber of Comit helped to cremerce at the Hotel ate,” Ms. Pillay InterContinental said. on Friday 15 April.

The High Respect for Commissioner human rights is the quoted Secretary foundation for of State Hillary good governance, Clinton saying, justice, and security for all, Ms. “President Obama and I believe we Pillay said. Rebuilding trust in govcould make a difference by working ernments and among communities is with you on the inside rather than crucial, and the international comstanding on the outside merely as a munity has the responsibility of critic.” giving support by being engaged in Ms. Pillay said the US should folthe cause and maintaining its inlow through on this statement by volvement in it. Without ratifying all human rights respect for human rights, treaties. It should also rethe US had the problems we see consider joining the re-engaged in around the globe will not International Criminal be completely solved, Ms. Court and solve the institutions Pillay said.

Guantanamo situation. that it helped “All individuals of In June, the Human to create good will who can conRights Council will be tribute wisdom, work, or endorsing a set of wealth … collectively or in their Guiding Principles for business and human rights, highlighting the issues own personal capacity have a role to of business’ responsibilities on play – however modest – to promote

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Speakers 2011 Tara S. Kerpelman

Matthieu Ricard * Buddhist Monk, French interpreter for HH Dalai Lama, photographer, author, and former molecular biologist

Train your brain to happiness May 24th, 2011

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he 24th of May brought Matthieu Ricard to the American International Club for its 698th dinner, sponsored by Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie. The Dalai Lama’s French translator since 1989, Ricard shared with the 137 guests how training your mind can change your brain, and in turn, increase your chances of achieving true happiness through compassion and love.

Mr. Ricard was born in 1946 in Aix-les-Bains, in France. The son of a French philosopher, writer, and journalist, Jean-François Revel, Mr. Ricard grew up in Paris where he was surrounded by great and interesting minds.

He was educated in many different disciplines including classical music, ornithology, and photography, and, at the age of 21, he decided to go to India to explore Buddhism through various spiritual leaders and teachers.

In 1972, Mr. Ricard completed his doctoral thesis in cellular genet-

ics at the Institut Pasteur in Paris. ly translates to cultivate, and this is That same year he left the country to exactly what we must do. We must establish permanent residence in the cultivate our inner qualities, cultiHimalayas to study and vate a new way of practice Buddhism. Six looking at the world, and years later, he was orcultivate our understandNeglecting dained as a Buddhist ing of the way the mind the inner monk. works, Mr. Ricard said. condition Since 2000, he has To be happy, we colbeen a member of the lectively try to control is a big Mind and Life Institute, and modify external or mistake whose international reouter conditions of our search combines world, Mr. Ricard exneuroscience with mind and spirit plained. In so doing, we put all our training through meditation and hopes and fears on the outside of whose goal it is to reduce suffering, ourselves and then we forget about promote well-being, and to overall our inner condition. build a scientific understanding of “Neglecting the inner condition is the mind. a big mistake. However important “There’s not much that we have those outer conditions can be, our in life that we haven’t achieved by control of the world is quite limited, training. We were not born reading and temporary,” Mr. Ricard said. and writing,” Mr. “The universe is Ricard said. “We not a mail-order all have the potencatalogue for all tial: we start out our desires, so as babies without simply having the skills and after desire to make some time passes, external factors a we learn.” certain way does Mr. Ricard not guarantee we pointed out that, can have them especially in westthe way we ern cultures, we want.” dedicate many Mr. Ricard years of our life to talked about how education. We deour state of mind velop all kinds of skills, yet we tend can override outer conditions. For to ignore one very important part of example, just as our mind can make our education: that of the well-being us miserable when we are on a beauof our brains. Your brain works tiful island, it can give us great joy from morning to night, but we do when we find ourselves in a difficult not systematically learn how to consituation. trol our minds as well as we could.

The inner conditions that are “It’s a bit like giving up the race conducive to happiness are passion, without having crossed the starting inner freedom, peace, and strength. line,” he said.

These feelings all make you feel strong and confident so you have The word for meditation in less need to protect yourself. You Sanskrit is “bhavana,” which literal-

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2011 Activities

human rights. Ms. Pillay reiterated that by having everyone work together to solve human rights issues, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of victims, and create the foundations for a better quality of life for everyone globally.

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

don’t feel threatened and you are more open and available to others.

Research studies have shown that by meditating and training your brain, you can feel less pain, feel happier, and diminish certain medical conditions such as psoriasis and high blood pressure, said Mr. Ricard.

In 2000, Matthieu Ricard participated in one of the first Mind and Life Institute meetings with the Dalai Lama on constructive emotions. The participants brainstormed on what they could concretely contribute to society and they came up with the idea of a robust program of research in psychology on the effects of mind training on the brain.

Since then, scientists have carried out many different experiments on the topic. For example, one study measured the differences in brain activity going from a resting state to a meditative state, another looked at the different levels of activation based on the topics of meditation such as compassion and kindness.

Overall, the studies found that meditation reduces anxiety and stress, and the more hours of meditation someone does, the more efficient their brain. Even with a very limited training of the brain of just 20 minutes a day, there is a visible change on brain scans.

People often misunderstand meditation, Mr. Ricard said. “The goal is not to achieve a modified state of consciousness, but to achieve an optimal state of mind.” If you train the selfless qualities of

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his profession: 70% of culinary success is due to choosing the best product (other contributors are the seasoning, how the food is cooked and, of course, the presentation); meat should always be salted before cooking; poultry from la Bresse is Tara S. Kerpelman undoubtedly of the best quality; and the key to choosing what to serve is what is in season. The overall objec* Sponsored by tive of a professional chief must always be to encourage clients to return to the restaurant.

Mr. Chevrier could not name the world’s best restaurant since tastes and fashions change, although his favorite chef is Joel Robuchon. He is highly skeptical about bio products: high levels of pollution and fertilizMaster Chef and owner of the awarders in surrounding fields mean it is winning Domaine de Châteauvieux in difficult to have true organic proSatigny duce. “Have you ever tasted a truly Philippe Chevrier Luncheon great bio wine?” Mr. Chevrier also asked.

29 August, 2011 An excellent meal followed: prawns, duck, and lavenhe AIC’s 699th der ice cream, all Speaker Event his prepared and presented found us being enfavorite with great attention to tertained on the idyllic detail. Les vins de terrace and garden of the chef is Philippe Chevrier, a Domaine de Choully, a Joel Chardonnay Fût de beautiful property which Robuchon Chêne 2009 and a dates from the 17th centuGameret Assemblage ry. It was a truly special 2009 (70% Merlot and 30% event and one not Cabernet Sauvignon), completed the to be missed. menu perfectly.

Mr. Philippe The weather, setting, food, wine, Chevrier, Master host, and company were wonderful.

Chef and owner Thank you very much to Mr. of the award-winChevrier and his team for a superb ning Domaine de event. As he said, “the team behind Châteauvieux in an entire event is very important.”

Satigny, spoke to us first, answerMerci a tous ! ing questions from the audiTara S. Kerpelman ence. He provided a number of bullet point insights about cooking and

your inner being, you will be able to use them spontaneously, without consciously thinking about them or making them happen. Mastery of your mind is freedom.”

Philippe Chevrier

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th AIC’s 700 Speaker World famous geopolitical analyst, lecturer and author

AIC’s 700th Luncheon 28 September, 2011

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t the AIC luncheon on 28 September 2011, speaker Parag Khanna presented his earnest view on what the economic and social trends of the world might be in the future.

In his newest book, “How to Run the World”, he draws an analogy of the medieval world of a thousand years ago to what he perceives are the trends of today.

Modern western societies today speak in terms of a “global social contract”. But the medieval world was also multi-cultural, multi-polar, and made up of multiple civilizations.

Not so long ago, there were 100

countries in the world – today there private American universities that are 200. Post-colonial states are not have opened all over the Middle the answer to good global East as an excellent vengovernance; today it is soture to assist in the The cial groups and mega future development of medieval diplomacy that drive these countries. change.

Referring to global world was Parag Khanna stated governance, the speaker also that what is needed now underlined the adage multicultural is a focus on taming com“form follows function”. plexity. The G20 cannot A “neo-medieval” model tackle financial regulations or clitoday is Switzerland. This country mate change. He believes business has three very special qualities: players are better Switzerland houses the global comequipped to deal munity, remaining aloof yet open to with global policy international communication; we issues. Investment, have a unique niche in the global innovation, techeconomy; and the Swiss national nology, and identity is based on the decentralizaexporting are retion of authority. quired to stimulate Parag Khanna predicts there will employment. To be multiple centers of gravity in the alleviate poverty, future: the European Union, the micro-credit and USA, China, India, and Latin local ownership America. There will be global interare the key. dependence rather than global To ensure politstandards and our focus needs to be ical stability, the world needs turned to different stake-holder mega-diplomacy, foreign investgroups and to civil society. ment, education, development of infrastructure, factories, and agriDebbie Smith culture. He cited the example of

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2011 Activities

Parag Khanna

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

André Borschberg Co-founder & CEO, Solar Impulse

André Borschberg Luncheon 14 October, 2011

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t the October 14th meeting of AIC, the audience sat transfixed by a film presentation from André Borschberg, one of the Swiss pilots who held the world in thrall in July 2010 when he flew a giant dragonfly-like aircraft around Central Switzerland for 26 hours powered only by the sun.

Flying through the night is no mean feat but engineers at the Solar Impulse project had discovered how to store energy during the day thanks to 12,000 solar cells placed in the wings. Borschberg explained how it was done. “The aircraft climbed to 9,000 meters during 14 hours of daylight and descended to 1,500 at night when the craft was powered by the charge of batteries installed in the 63 meter-long wingspan.”

Borschberg, who calls his Solar Impulse project a symbol of what is possible, was in Geneva to persuade businessmen and policy-makers of the importance of new technologies for sustainable development. The breathtaking video in the film convinced many in the room that the Solar Impulse project represents the frontier of scientific adventure for the 21st Century.

“In 1903 when the Wright Brothers made their historical flight it took

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another 20 years to cross the fact that home energy consumption Atlantic and another 25 years to remains too high, despite widetransport passengers,” he said. “To spread expressions of support for refly with no fuel on board will probanewable energy sources. bly take even more time.”

Solar Impulse has already reBorschberg conceded that it may ceived encouraging support from take some time before there are politicians in Brussels and Paris. manned solar flights but “commerBorschberg said that the welcome cial solar flight is not impossible”. their flight received at Paris-Le There were skeptics in the room, one Bourget in July was highly motivatof whom doubted the idea that ing for the Solar Impulse team as it manned, commercial flight could be enters Phase Two of the project possible in 15-20 years. But which is building a second plane to Borschberg stuck to his guns, saying fly around the world, scheduled for that it may very well take much 2014. Each step of the project is a longer, but his point was learning process, he said, that Solar Impulse is realabout launching solar to place ly a symbol for those craft into air space and dreams and who, like the adventurers landing at international emotions at of yesteryear, constantly airports. the heart of push back the limits of “Our goal is to fly scientific the impossible. with no fuel and no poladventure Another participant lution,” said Borschberg, asked whether there was noting that solar cells any interest in his project from the and nearly half a ton of batteries world’s military. Borschberg said provide the energy for four small that he was in contact with NASA electric motors and propellers and and the French Aircraft company weigh little more than an average Dassault, who are interested in the automobile. possibility of solar fighter planes.

Borschberg’s goals are both lofty But he believes commercial interest and laudable: to contribute to the is more important and cited the cause of renewable energies; to Helios Project, a demonstrate the importance of clean plan to convince technologies for sustainable developbusinessmen to ment; to save natural resources and invest in Greece’s reduce dependency on fossil energy. eternal sunshine.

But most of all, “to place dreams “Our intention and emotions back at the heart of is to get the attenscientific adventure.” tion of politiFollowing the presentation, AIC cians,” said members were free to ask questions Borschberg. “We of Borschberg, whose trim black need a legal flight suit contrasted with the sober framework and, suits and ties of the majority of of course, financmembers and he was immediately ing. But having a surrounded. framework is more important.’ He Pamela Taylor said that while the technology is www.theglobaljournal.net here, the world still has to tackle the

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Speakers 2011 Executive Director, Human Rights Watch

The Arab Spring 15 November, 2011

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he 702 nd AIC luncheon at the InterContinental in Geneva on November 15th featured Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s leading international human rights organizations that operates in more than 90 countries. Mr. Roth described the nonprofit, nongovernmental organization’s goals and methodologies before discussing the implications of human rights in the context of the Arab Spring.

The main question Human Rights Watch asks itself, according to its Executive Director, is “How do you make the bad guys on the other side of the world behave?” The organization does this in three ways, Roth explained. First, by naming and shaming the human rights abuser. Second, to join up with powerful governments who can use their power on the organization’s behalf, for example by holding arms until the human rights issues are fixed, or not sending an invitation to an important summit. Third, in the case of genocide or war crimes, Human Rights Watch prosecutes the offenders in the international criminal court, using political backing and proof that is often collected by its researchers.

Human Rights Watch works in places where legal courts are corrupted or compromised. It puts pressure on abusive governments by sending in researchers to gather evidence which is then presented in comprehensive, analytic and sophisticated reports, used to put pressure on the governments.

“The western policy to those countries involved in the Arab Spring was containment and they were happy for them to be autocrats, but the Arab people only accepted this until last year,” Roth said.

Roth explained the main reasons behind the west’s policy: The fear of political Islam, including the rise of Iran as a hostile state; the fight against terrorism when autocrats of some regions found enormous benefits by fighting Al Qaeda with the US to get western acquiescence; support for Israel allowed a certain tolerance to the leaders whose rules were then tolerated; the protection of resources such as oil and gas; and the governments helping to keep North African migrants out of Europe.

“However, the driving force behind the uprisings and upheavals of the Arab Spring were not the fears of the west, nor the Islamic movements of the past year, but instead it was a general population’s democratic uprisings,” Roth said. “With situations of human rights abuse, corruption and a mixture of more educated youth in these areas, it’s no wonder there were uprisings,” he said.

The discussion then turned to

where the revolutions were headed.

“Putting a country together from scratch is not an easy thing to do,” Roth said and then mentioned that Tunisia might be the best set up to succeed. “But each country has a new set of challenges.”

Human Rights Watch’s Executive Director then proposed five guiding principles for western countries to follow to help the situation: 1. Be humble – Understand that the revolutions of the Arab Spring don’t belong to the west. What we can do here is significant, but we cannot be the primary actors.

2. Lead with values – It’s important to live by the principles we are preaching to others, to lead by example of good values, not of parochial interests, i.e. Do not cling to the past, and do re-examine foreign policy.

3. Get justice for serious abuses, but think about whether prosecuting people is useful or if it will force a dictator into power.

4. Stop western complicity in torture – Change the precedent in the region, i.e. stop sending terrorist suspects to Libya and other countries whose governments are known for their torture policies. This behavior should be prosecuted, not ignored.

5. Act in coalition with governments – for example it is time to reach out to influential southern countries such as Brazil or India. Human rights are not just western ideas and policies and should be universal.

“It’s not clear how things will turn out,” Roth concluded, “but the western governments must push in the right direction. We must first change ourselves before we can change others,” he said.

Tara S. Kerpelman

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2011 Activities

Kenneth Roth

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

Philipp Hildebrand* Former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank

Protecting, preserving and maintaining Swiss financial stability 22 November, 2011

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merican International Club members, guests and friends were joined on November 22nd by a large number of representatives from Crédit Agricole, sponsors of the AIC’s 703rd luncheon speaker, Philipp Hildebrand, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, at the Hotel Intercontinental in Geneva.

The Swiss National Bank’s job is to protect, foster, preserve, and maintain national public political and financial stability and to create an appropriate environment for economic growth. With two head offices, in Bern and Zurich, it has six other branches in Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lucerne, Lugano and St. Gallen) as well as 16 agencies operated by cantonal banks. When consumption gets out of hand, it is its job to tighten financial policy.

“One must remember that central bankers do not generate national growth or create jobs in a country,” warned Hildebrand.

“Instead, they can explicitly mandate in their laws to create stable

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conditions of price increase that are the country’s positive economic pomost conducive to CEOs and entresition. “Historically, whenever the preneurs, who in turn create the world around us is being affected by jobs and growth,” he said. instability, we have retained stabiliIn the midst of the troubling and ty, and this is the hallmark of deepening European sovereign debt Switzerland,” Hildebrand said. crisis, Switzerland’s current account Since the early ‘90s, Switzerland’s surpluses, or difference account surplus has on between the country’s average been more than It’s premature savings and investments, 30 percent, he said. to say that have been large and perBanks are experiencsistent over the years, ing a development with we are in a according to Hildebrand. the change in tax evasion post-crisis Since 1991 it has inpolicies, and new busiphase creased to more than 15 ness models need to be percent of the GDP, and evolved past tax evasion. the question is “why?”

Even though four and a half The country has managed to years have gone by since the crisis, avoid deflation and is the first to be according to Hildebrand deflation reaching the end of the recession. will not be an issue for next year.

“Switzerland’s surpluses have beHowever, the EU sovereign debt cricome the attention of global sis is the greatest risk to the global political discussions and the exand Swiss economy in 2012. In the change rate appreciation and future, he said Switzerland will have structural reform seem to be the to head towards tax compliant, cause of the surplus,” Hildebrand cross-border wealth management explained. “In fact, the adjustment with banks using new tax compliant mechanism was the most important business models. point of the global G 20 debate.”

“It’s premature to say that we One solution for countries with a are in a post-crisis phase,” smaller account surplus would be to Hildebrand warned, “so we should have regular recontinue to hope on this long road form in markets of recovery,” he said. to stimulate consumption, Tara S. Kerpelman leading to an increase in imports, which in turn would relieve * Sponsored by pressure from current accounts, Hildebrand said.

In Switzerland, foreign investments from multinationals and international firms along with the abundance of financial services such as banking and insurance have contributed to

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Speakers 2011 Director General of the International School of Geneva

What makes a great school?

19 December, 2011

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he Foundation of the International School of Geneva’s newest elected Director General, Vicky Tuck, spoke at the American International Club’s 703rd luncheon on December 19th on “What makes a great school great,” listing some of the main characteristics that a school should have for it to be successful. The Club’s last luncheon of 2011 also doubled as its annual general meeting where the new president and Executive Committee members were elected.

Ecolint, the International School of Geneva, is now made up of three campuses around Geneva and the canton of Vaud, and they are wellknown by both the international and local communities. Here in Geneva, “no one is neutral or indifferent to Ecolint,” began Vicky Tuck. “People either have a strong affiliation to it, or vent strong feelings of frustration towards it,” she said, and “if occupying a place in the hearts of minds and being cared about is a sign of a great school, then Ecolint is a great school.”

Ecolint’s aim is to provide highquality international education through which students are helped to develop their abilities to the highest level of their potential, whilst respecting their individual and cultural identities, and encouraging them to become independent learners.

“We, in schools, build the future.

We form the human capital that will take on ethical, economic, political

and social responsibility for this fastchanging, complex world,” said Ms. Tuck, who then proceeded to ask the American International Club members and guests in attendance to discuss the topic aloud on what makes a great school great, based on each person’s experiences.

Ms. Tuck then summarized that a school needs:

• Great teaching – no one forgets a great teacher • Great learning – not just curriculum subjects but independence, creativity and the transmission of culture and values • Great care and guidance • A holistic education that includes great opportunities beyond the curriculum – such as sports, drama, music, trips • Great facilities • Great parents – who care about education and imbue their children with a sense that learning matters and that learning is fun.

“While there is always room for improvement, we have most of those things going for us at Ecolint, which is the birthplace of the International Baccalaureate program (IB), and where, latterly there has been innovation in bilingual programs and learning support.”

Since making a great school great is a long discussion, Ms. Tuck said she would focus on six main points: 1. Leadership. “School leadership

today needs special qualities,” Ms. Tuck said, citing the findings of Jim Collins in his book “From Good to Great”. “Personal humility and professional will, ethical and passionate leadership, a duality between modest and willful and humble and fearless, a quiet and strong sense of purpose, and modesty,” she said. Such leaders listen, encourage followership and influence; they challenge the status quo, inspire a shared vision, enable others to act, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart – all of which are things needed to make a great school great, she added.

2. A clear mission.

Be clear about your identity so that it is understood and lived out. “A school is not just a place to learn: It is a place to obtain the sense of selfworth and belonging, a sense of community, a sense of identity, and it is the responsibility of the teachers to instill and maintain this,” Ms. Tuck said.

Ecolint has a noble mission – it was founded by the pioneers of the League of Nations, explained Ms. Tuck, and peace, tolerance and mutual understanding through education are what the school stands for, and it is clear to her that it is true to its values. “However, as the school has just gone through a time of rapid growth, we have to work hard to hold onto these values, and in a changing world we have to rework them,” she said, before going

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2011 Activities

Vicky Tuck

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Speakers 2011 2011 Activities

in making a great school great, according to Ms. Tuck. “The best 3. Vision for the future and clarity people do not need to be microof strategy. managed – if you need to manage “A school needs to have a clear visomeone tightly, you’ve probably sion and strategy: being clear about made a mistake,” she said. “There what we care about, what absolutely needs to be exwe excel at, all while takcellent, dedicated people A school is not ing into account to be in front of our stueconomic factors,” Ms. just a place to dents and at Ecolint we Tuck commented. learn: It is a are currently reviewing place to obtain 4. Honesty – Conviction our HR provisions: If we and self-analysis. a sense of look after our staff, “We must also know how they’ll look after our stuself-worth we are doing so we know dents,” she said, adding where we need to improve,” Ms. that this would be a focus for her Tuck commented. “We need to creduring her tenure. ate a climate where people have an 6. The right culture and discipline. opportunity to be heard so we can The world needs people who are dislearn from our shortcomings. We ciplined, Ms. Tuck said. She need to lead with questions, not anexpected her staff to be self-disciswers, and throughout it all we must plined, to work hard, and to help maintain an unwavering faith that Ecolint students to develop similar we can and will prevail in the end, self-discipline. regardless of difficulties,” Ms. Tuck said.

After her presentation of these points on what makes a great school 5. People. great, Ms. Tuck finished by talking Picking the right people to be on about what could go wrong for your staff and in the right positions schools. “It’s a difficult time for the is one of the most important things on to her third point.

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world, with challenges coming from the economy and new technologies,” she said. “But in this most insecure time, I can say that though it is still in the early days for me, Ecolint is lovable. Like so many of the things one loves in life, it is not perfect – and there is no such thing as a perfect school,” she said. “Yet Ecolint is a great school in terms of its mission, principles, and many of its staff. This is an incredible job and I am very lucky to have this opportunity to lead Ecolint.”

Tara S. Kerpelman

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2011 Activities

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Golf 2011 n a perfect summer day in early September, Jean-Jacques Borgstedt, Secur’Archiv SA chairman and co-sponsor with Pelichet NLC, hosted his now traditional golf tournament for his AIC fellow members at the Esery Golf Club. As usual, he really spoilt us with a welcome breakfast, the drinks cart for sustenance during the game (aptly manned and “lady-ed” by Chand and Kirsten), a wellgarnished apéro when we could drown our sorrows and tell our fellow competitors about the unfortunate incidents which lead to not winning (if you’re not a golfer, you need to know that golf is a game of “if only...”). After all that excitement we had calmed down enough to enjoy a delightful long lunch on the terrace.

Winning was not necessarily the most important objective of the day (participating was more important), but there was a winning team: justice was done as it was Jean-Jacques and his team-mates Michael Silverstein and Lili Schurch.

‘Closest to the pin’ was won

2011 Events

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by Olivier Chantre, with Peter Cloutier a close second. Thanks to Jean-Jacques’ generosity, however, there were prizes for everyone.

We were delighted to enjoy the company of the senior most past AIC president Charles Strommer who interrupted his retirement in the South of France to be with us.

Thanks are also due to Chand Kaul (AIC’s competitive events organizer), Kirsten (AIC’s executive director) and Ingrid (Jean-Jacques’ executive assistant) for the hard work involved in the preparation of the event and of course to the Esery Golf Club for having us.

A perfect day on the golf course sure beats a day in the office!

Audrey Barchha

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2011 Tennis Tournament 2011 Events

Men’s Doubles t was a pleasure to see the reaction of Howard Parks and Kevin Crowley on learning that they had won the Men’s Doubles tournament. With 3 teams ending up with the same ‘score’ in the Round Robin format, deeper calculations were required to find out the winner. Top seeds Bernard Genoud and Jo Mestermann who were running away with the tournament, tripped on the last hurdle set-up by Jo Snakkers and Michel Houmard, and ended-up as runners-up.

I

Final Results Runners-up

Winners

Mixed Doubles Suzanne Hufschmid and Chand Kaul

Katia Lambert and Bernard Genoud

Mixed Doubles Consolation

Mixed Doubles n Mixed Doubles, the surprise winners were Suzanne Hufschmid and Chand Kaul who beat the top seeds and winners of the event in the recent years Katia Lambert and Bernard Genoud.

The Mixed Doubles Consolation tournament was won by Viktoria and Jean-Charles Rey who beat Ginny and Claude Marshall in the final.

I

Viktoria and Jean-Charles Rey

Ginny and Claude Marshall

Men’s Doubles Howard Parks and Kevin Crowley

Bernard Genoud and Jo Mestermann

The Doubles Tournaments were held in the beautiful surroundings of the Tennis Club des EauxVives. There were some close calls but the sporting spirit was right up there and the hawk eye was idle. With the help of great weather, the ambiance was superb, and not surprisingly the core group was still there, enjoying a late lunch, long after the end of the tournament.

Our thanks to the Tennis Club de Genève for their sponsorship.

Chand Kaul Competitive Events Chair

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th 4 of July 2011

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added a special touch with Mojitos and Piña Coladas.

Fun and games galore were on offer for the children with Bouncy Castles, face-painting and tattoos provided by Party Time. Party Time also organized fun games for the adults. A balloon release to mark the Club’s 60th Anniversary added a special touch.

The music was provided by The Albert-Mark Band, who provided the perfect blend of jazz and classic rock. Many of us danced and sang to songs from Ellington to the Eagles. We were pleased to have a return performance of Allison Bryan to sing the National Anthem, Many thanks to all the volunteers who came early to help decorate and those who stayed late

after the event to clean up and put all the benches and tables away. A special thanks goes to Ron Banks, the team of 18 AIC volunteers, the Parc des Evaux and the AIC staff.

Special mention goes to: P&G for providing prizes for the games, to Starbucks for offering frappucino vouchers, to Chiquita for supplying bananas and duo desserts and to Bacardi for the much-appreciated bar.

Most importantly a heartfelt thank you goes out to all the AIC Corporate and individual sponsors who made this great event possible.

See you again next year!

The 4th of July Committee

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2011 Activities

nce again we enjoyed a gorgeous late-afternoon sun and perfect weather for the AIC’s 4th of July US Independence Day celebration at the magnificent Parc des Evaux in Onex. AIC members, their families, and invited guests joined with members of the AIWC, ACA and staff of the US Mission to enjoy an informal, fun event. There was no shortage of food, entertainment or smiles. Some people brought a picnic, others enjoyed the spare ribs, hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob, slaw and other traditional barbecue fare on offer kindly provided by Live Catering. The Cheesecake Factory's desserts provided ample traditional, finger-licking sweets to finish the meal. The Bacardi bar

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2011 Activities Ye a r b o o k 2 0 1 2

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2011 Activities

The AIC’s Executive Committee recognizes and thanks the following corporate & individual sponsors who helped make this celebration a big success and one to remember:

Eagle Sponsor

Corporate Partner Sponsors:

JTInternational McDonald’s Restaurants Geneva

Full Corporate Partner

Red Sponsor DuPont de Nemours Ed Flaherty Lutz & Partners SA Webster University

White Sponsor Mr. John J. Silvin

Blue Sponsor Business School of Lausanne Boston University John McCarthy Associates Mr. Bob Spencer

Other Sponsors Cheesecake & Co. Chiquita Brands International Sarl InterSoccer Party Time Bacardi PepsiCo FritoLay Mrs. Martina Banoun

Polo Ralph Lauren Europe Sarl

Senior Corporate Partner Caterpillar Sarl Hotel InterContinental

Executive Corporate Partners Cargill International SA Covance CLS SA Henri Harsch SA JTInternational La Tour SA PDP-Performance Development Partners PricewaterhouseCoopers SA Teksels SA Webster University

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The AIC Celebrates 60 years of connecting people 2011 Activities

he AIC celebrated its 60th Anniversary on Friday, 16th September 2011. Over two hundred members and their guests joined to celebrate this special and unique AIC milestone. Good food, good wine, great entertainment and a wonderful AIC spirit was appreciated by all present. Inspired by the impressive Rock’n’Roll show given by the bc Club of Grand-Saconnex, young and not-so-young hit the dance floor to enjoy themselves among friends. Below, some impressions and comments from the evening.

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“

We enormously appreciated: The delicious dinner + the anniversary cake was “succulent”, the acrobatic dancing performance, the band + the possibility to also swing our legs, the nice gift bag, the always nice décor of the IC Hotel and its ballroom! Let us CONGRATULATE you all for ANOTHER very successful event: BRAVO!” Guy Van Even

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Christine Courtois

“

Just to say "thank you" for such a lovely, fun evening celebration for the 60th birthday of the AIC. Am sure a lot of work & planning went into it & it was a success!”

Judith Mann

2011 Activities

“

I first would like to warmly thank you for offering us the possibility to participate to that event and also congratulate you for this very nice organisation, it was a really nice evening. The theme gave us some ideas for an event at SHIRE.”

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“ 2011 Activities

On behalf of Boost, I want to thank you for the great evening you organized for us last Friday for the AIC 60th anniversary. JeanPhilippe and myself were delighted and had another opportunity to meet very interesting people once again.

Perfect organization, nice food, and bonne humeur as usual!”

“

We would like to thank you as well for this absolutely unforgettable evening we could share with you and all the others AIC members. We were really delighted by the wonderful organization, food, spectacle, music and as well the beautiful decoration. Thanks’ to your organization and Club life we can meet so many wonderful and interesting peoples from all over the world.”

Olivier Trinh

Gabriele Perret & Rolf Aecherli

Our 60th Anniversary Gala was possible thanks to the following sponsors:

Diamond

Bronze

Elizabeth Arden, New York La Tour Réseau de Soins JTI PDP

Ardel Covance Basket Ball Club de Nyon Eaton Shire Webster University Mr. Francis Clivaz

Gold Cargill Caterpillar McDonalds

Silver Expedia Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Other corporate sponsors Genève Servette Harsch, The Art of Moving Secur' Archiv SA Hotel InterContinental Genève Teksels SA

and the following individual member sponsors Mr. Damien Von Deschwanden Mrs. Micheline Devèze Mr. & Mrs. Robert Spencer Mr. & Mrs. Pierre Imfeld Mr. Yves Oltramare Mrs. Deborah Smith Mr. Tal Schibler Mrs. Martina Banoun

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th 60 anniversary President’s Speech

G

names appear on tonight’s program.

The fact that 28 different companies and individuals are sponsoring this event confirms the continued importance and standing of the Club in the greater Suisse romande and France voisine regions. The AIC remains the area’s foremost Anglophone social and business club, and this despite increased competition from such formidable, friendly adversaries as the Geneva Chapter of the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce whose dynamic chairman, Michael McKay, is seated at our head table. No other area club offers its members such a gamut of regular and special activities. In two weeks we will host our 700th Speaker Event, another extraordinary milestone and an achievement that has few parallels worldwide. We have both a talented and committed Executive Committee and Club Office who strive constantly to meet the evolving needs of our members that now include over 50 nationalities of all ages and professions. Recent or upcoming Club initiatives include: becoming even more “socially oriented”, and providing members with local discounted products and services that will cover the full cost of their annual membership dues.

Tonight, we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary. I prefer to say that our Club is not 60 years old, but 60 years “young”. We are definitely not ready to “retire”; quite the contrary, we intend to continue to prosper and grow by being both innovative in our product offering and responsive to our members’ varied needs and desires.

You, our members, are the Club’s lifeblood, and it is thanks to you that the AIC is 60 years young today and it will be thanks to you and your successors that others will celebrate the Club’s 100th anniversary in 2051!

I have imposed on you long enough. You are all anxious to attack dessert to fortify yourselves for what is to come. Dessert includes our 60th birthday cake, which I ask Ambassador King and Charles Strommer to cut the first slice, but I cannot end before thanking: the Hotel InterContinental for this magnificent dinner, the Albert Mark Band for the music to come, and to Kirsten and Elaine of the Club Office for all their efforts in organising tonight’s gala.

A final point: do not forget to collect your “goodie” bag of presents on your way out. There is one for everyone although you will notice there is a marked preference of gifts in each for the ladies.

Happy 60th Anniversary, everyone!

John J. Silvin 2011 President

2011 Activities

ood evening, everyone, and a belated welcome to the AIC’s 60th Anniversary Gala event.

I hope you have enjoyed the evening so far, and pray you will continue to enjoy yourself through dessert and what follows.

Let me start by acknowledging the presence with us tonight of the US Ambassador to the UN and related organisations, the Honorable Betty King, plus Carlo Lamprecht and Eric Maire, as representatives of the Geneva and Vaud governments. We also have with us a number of other distinguished guests, too many to name individually, but whose participation in this gala is highly appreciated. I must, however, give special mention to the 9 past AIC presidents with us this evening, led by our doyen, Charles Strommer, who was the AIC President 41 years ago in 1970. Charles, please stand so we can congratulate you on your presence, continued dedication, and longevity. The prize for the past president who has travelled furthest to attend our gala goes to Richard Piliero, a 3-term president in 1990 thru 1992, who flew in from Bangkok via New York. Special recognition also goes to Pierre Imfeld who with Patricia, unfortunately absent tonight, ran the Club Office so efficiently for over 30 years.

Regrettably, a number of people particularly attached to our Club could also not make it tonight but they are with us in spirit. I refer in particular to: Jim Bissell and his management team from Hôpital La Tour, Reto Egger and his team from McDonald’s/Gemacona, and Michel Perret, the Hotel InterContinental’s General Manager.

Before saying a few words about our Club, it is essential that I recognize, and thank most sincerely, tonight’s large number of sponsors whose generous financial and product support allowed us to offer you, our members, your companions, and special guests, this outstanding dinner and evening at a particularly attractive price. Our evening’s 4 Diamond Sponsors are: Elizabeth Arden, La Tour Réseau de Soins, JTI, and PDP-Performance Development Partners. Our Gold Sponsors are: Cargill, Caterpillar and McDonald’s. Tonight’s Silver Sponsors are Expedia and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Our 7 Bronze Sponsors include: Ardel, Covance, Eaton, the Nyon Basketball Club, Shire, Webster University, and Mr. Francis Clivaz. Other corporate sponsors are: the Geneva-Servette Hockey Club, Harsch “The Art of Moving”, Secur’Archiv, the HIC, Teksels, and Hublot SA who has offered a unique, specially-inscribed AIC 60th Anniversary ladies’ “Big Bang” watch that AIC Vice President Ed Karr will auction shortly. Sincere thanks also to various individual member sponsors whose

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Thanksgiving 2011 2011 Activities

he AIC’s Thanksgiving Feast at the Hotel InterContinental has become the place to be to celebrate Thanksgiving in Geneva. This year, over 220 participants enjoyed a delicious and elegant buffet of traditional American dishes, including roast turkey and pumpkin pie, all accompanied by fine wines and good company.

Joining local members were 50 enthusiastic Boston University students and a group from InterNations who were pleased to celebrate this family feast with us.

Children were entertained in a separate room by our McDonald’s hostess, who organized fun games and prizes. Face painting was once again appreciated by children and their parents. Skillfully painted faces adorned the ballroom and enhanced the cozy, family atmosphere of Thaknsgiving.

Special features this year included a booth from Le Carré des Chocolatiers where local chocolatier, Elias Gharbi treated us to a special chocolate tasting experience to savor the unique flavors he creates. Exquisite tastes and textures were eagerly discovered while Elias explained his creations and business.

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A demonstration of American line dancing by Far West Country Dance was another new feature.

Encouraged by the easy steps and eager to have a go themselves, many members grabbed the opportunity to take their partners and have some fun on the dance floor.

The tombola draw was one of the highlights of the evening as the winning tickets were announced and winners collected their prizes.Thanks to the generosity of our tombola prize donors, there were plenty of winners as we were able to give away 40 combined prizes with a total value of over CHF 55'000! Part of the proceeds from tombola ticket sales will be donated to Autisme Genève. The remaining ticket sales’ proceeds will go to finance other Club social events.

Special Thanks to the Hotel InterContinental Geneva and its team, McDonald’s Restaurants Geneva, Far West Country Dance staff and volunteers & all tombola prize donors mentioned below.

AIC Office

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Prizes over CHF 2500 Procter & Gamble Elizabeth Arden Hotel InterContinental, Geneva GSHC

Prizes over CHF 1000 Active Languages Darwin Airline Protectas SINA Fine Italian Hotels Swissotel Metropole

Prizes under CHF 499 Air France Barzilay Services Caran d'Ache Chopard Credit Agricole CIB

Prizes over CHF 500

CROWNE PLAZA

Geneva Airport

Institut Clarins

Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano

JT International

IMD, Lausanne

Kleen Mat

InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau

Kleen Mat

International Herald Tribune Polo Club of Geneva PURO Hotel & Beach Club Group, Palma, Spain schibler, hovagemyan attorneys @ law llc

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Know-it-all-Passport Kodak Party Time Ramada Encore Geneve Secretan Troyanov / Des Gouttes & Associes, lawyers

Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore,

t&t Productions Montreux

Jaan Restaurant, Singapore

Vieux-Bois Restaurant, Geneva

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2011 Activities

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Cultural Events 2011

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The AIC Cultural Events Committee looks forward to meeting new participants at future events.

Robert Race Cultural Events Chair

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2011 Activities

he AIC Culture Events 2011 program began in Geneva, in my opinion, was the Museé Rath exhibition January with an outing to the 33rd Intentional Subject of Abstraction: Non-figurative painting of the Balloon Festival in Chateau d’Oex (BE).

Second Paris School (1946-1962). Though sounding Fortunately, we had tremendous help in organquit esoteric, this art school grew out of post-WWII izing and hosting the event from long-time AIC France and mirrored the better-known Abstract Member Patrick Kearley, one of its founders.

Expressionist school of Jackson Pollock and others in On Friday evening, Patrick and his charming wife America. For the French, the seminal events were the Suzie hosted a cocktail at their 200Bomb, WWII destruction, and the year old chalet. They then led us to the discovery of prehistoric French best viewing spot for Night Glow, cave paintings. The theme is “startwhere hot-air balloons light up in ing over” or “starting at the rhythm to music. Though bitter cold, beginning.” This school synthesized the crowd and the spectacle provided several 20th century French art traneeded warmth. The Grand Finale ditions: Fauvism, Cubism, began with an “invasion” of parapunSurrealism, and Abstraction. ters out of the night sky with flaming Several AIC Members attended the cones strapped on their backs, folEnglish guided tour. The exhibition lowed by fireworks. included the key artists and was The weather on Saturday was represented in depth. Works were clear and sunny, but the crush at the selected from the private collection launch site and a freak wind preventof Geneva billionaire Jean-Claude Above: ed us from flying. But being up close Gandur, equaled only in major Joy Pop, Peter Halley 1998 to watch the Mass Ascension was a French museums. For those who missed the exhibiBelow: treat. Some who came on Sunday tion, the collection will reside at the main Geneva The Château d’Oex were able to “fly.” museum for display in its future expansion.

Balloon Festival © Mark Crocker, 2012 The cultural event of 2011 in Later in the year, AIC members were invited to join with the Georgetown University Club of Geneva to meet American non-conceptual artist Peter Halley and to view selected works at the Galerie Xippas Art Contemporain. It was a privilege to meet the artist as he explained his life and his art. Mr. Halley’s geometric works (influenced by Mondrian and the Bauhaus) radiate day-glo colors (not in nature), reflecting our irrational world. His pictures are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the Tate. Halley is also a writer, publisher, and teacher at the Yale School of Art. Our hostess at the Gallery, Mme Constance de Malleray, provided a very warm welcome with generous hor d’ouvres and wine.

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pdp performance developpement partners sa

Genève

ICC – Route de Pré-Bois 20 PO Box 1887 1215 Geneva 15 – Switzerland T +41 22 710 09 70 Ye a r b oF o k 222 710 0 1 09 2 79 +41 www.pdpeurope.ch geneve@pdpeurope.ch

Lausanne

Bern

Chemin des Jordils 40 Case Postale 68 1025 Saint-Sulpice – Suisse T +41 21 695 60 70 F +41 21 695 60 79 lausanne@pdpeurope.ch

Waaghaus - Passage 8 Postfach 542 3000 Bern 7 – Schweiz T +41 31 313 50 00 F +41 31 313 50 09 bern@pdpeurope.ch

Helping careers and organizations move ahead strategic partner

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Corporate Partnership Program

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desire to update and expand the Program’s benefits to meet Partners’ changing needs and desires. Consequently, we commenced 2012 with a modified Program that included additional benefits at all levels, plus a new “Welcome” package tailored primarily for companies wishing to assist their employees in integrating into the greater Geneva area.

The one year, non-renewable Welcome Partnership includes 10 individual Club memberships that the Partner can distribute to designated employees, plus one Ambassador level membership and various other benefits.

Partially as a result of these Program modifications, two new Partners, PPG Industries Europe Sàrl and Optima, have joined the Program so far in 2012, and another, Hôpital La Tour, a longstanding Partner, has increased its partnership level to Senior

Corporate Partner. PPG Industries Europe Sàrl, based in Rolle, joined the CPP as an Executive Partner while Optima, a Geneva-based investment management firm, became our first Welcome Partner.

With the 2012 renewal of all eleven of our 2011 Partners, we begin 2012 with 13 Partners, and hope to further increase this number during the year.

Given the ever-increasing importance of our CPP, Alain Chalouhi, of the CCIG, and Eric Veillard of Nexavis, both AIC Executive Committee members, have been appointed CPP CoChairs. The three of us look forward to working closely with our existing and new Partners in 2012 and, again, thank each and every Partners for their continued support of our Club and its CPP. John J. Silvin CPP Chair

2012 Corporate Partners Full Corporate Partner Polo Ralph Lauren Sàrl Senior Corporate Partner Caterpillar Sàrl Hopital La Tour SA Hotel InterContinental SA Geneva Executive Corporate Partner Cargill International SA Covance Central Laboratory Services SA

Harsch, The Art of Moving JT International PDP – Performance Development Partners PPG Industries Europe Sàrl PricewaterhouseCoopers SA Teksels SA Webster University Welcome Partner Optima Fund Management

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Corporate Partnership

hile 2010 was characterized by continued corporate belt tightening and reduced budgets for expenditures considered non-vital, at least for companies who adapted a short term viewpoint, 2011 witnessed, as far as our CPP is concerned, more positive developments.

At end 2011, we had eleven Corporate Partners, one less than at year end 2010, but with three announced developments for 2012 that will be reported later. All of our other Corporate Partners confirmed their continued interest in and appreciation for our CPP by renewed their membership, and this warrants a major “thank you” for their continued support of our Club and this 17 year old prestigious Program.

In late 2011, we conducted a complete review of the Program based on our Partners’ input and a

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57

From Corporate Partners ith over 50 years of experience, Harsch, the Art of Moving, has grown into a professional and dynamic company with something more, the human touch.

Initially specialized in the packing and international transport of Fine Art and antiques, Harsch, the Art of Moving, has expanded strongly into the field of international moving. In the last 15 years we have grown into local and office moves, as well as confidential records management. This, along with Relocation, allows offering our clients a complete range of services.

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Harsch Relocation In 2004, we started Relocation to

offer full support for your relocations into or from Switzerland, especially Geneva, Vaud, neighboring France (Ain & Haute Savoie), Zurich and Basel area.

This has been developed as a complement to Harsch household goods moving.

Harsch Relocation offers a complete range of services including schooling and housing advice, closely accompanying the expatriates throughout the process of relocating into Switzerland, ensuring that they are fully installed and feel at home in their new environment.

Harsch Relocation is truly dedicated to transferees and their families to whom we offer a fully personalized service. Communica-

tion and personal contact are key factors for a successful relocation.

Harsch Archives Harsch Archives offers you personalized services for management and storage of your documents and digital records. We store your records under optimal conditions of security and confidentiality, freeing up considerable space at your premises. We offer complementary and efficient solutions for the management of your files from the initial pick up, storage, digitization, inventory, delivery and finally transport to destruction.

Web: www.harsch.ch Tel: 022 300 4 300 E-mail: harsch@harsch.ch

Hotel InterContinental Genève

n the heart of the district of the major international organisations, near the United Nations and only ten minutes away from both the international airport and city centre, the 5 star hotel boasts breathtaking views over the lake and mountains.

Under the meticulous eye of the talented New York designer, Tony Chi, the state-of-the-art conference floor has been recently refurbished.

Organisers can now take advantage of over 2000m2 of flexible space – 16 multi-functional rooms that will meet the needs of any event planner. Pride of place is the magnificent 752 m2 Grand Ballroom (5.2m ceiling), accessed

I

via glorious Cristofle silver doors, featuring floor to ceiling windows.

It’s equipped with the latest sound and lighting technology, including Wifi, and can host gatherings up to 850. The space also benefits from direct street access, allowing organisers to set up and break down with a minimum of fuss.

Technical support is on site and a team of experienced event managers are on hand to respond promptly to every need.

To complement the aesthetic feeling and spirit of the conference facilities and “living spaces”, the InterContinental Genève is now striding ahead with the refurbishment of its guest rooms and suites.

Hotel facilities: • 226 guestrooms & 102 suites, all with high-speed internet access.

• Woods—contemporary restaurant featuring seasonal cuisine. Seating for 152 with a further 70 on outdoor patio.

• Poolside restaurant—Mediterranean cuisine. Open May to September.

• Les Nations—elegant combination of cosy lounge and bar.

• O' Bar—trendy bar with convivial atmosphere and open fire. “Jazz Evenings, Wednesday to Saturday from 9pm onwards.

• Clarins Institute & Spa, remodelled fitness centre and heated 20-metre outdoor pool.

• Business centre—open 24 hours.

• 24-hour “instant service”.

Corporate Partnership

Harsch, the Art of Moving

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59

AIC Articles of Association A non-profit association is organized under the name of “The American International Club of Geneva”, which shall operate in accordance with these Articles of Association and with Article 60 and following of the Swiss Civil Code.

The Association shall have a corporate existence for an unlimited duration.

The headquarters of the Club is in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland.

Article IV – Election of Members All Candidates for membership (except Honorary) have to be proposed in writing to the Membership Committee by at least one member.

The Membership Committee shall submit to the Executive Committee at its regular meetings those applications which the Membership Committee deems acceptable.

A two-thirds affirmative vote of those Executive Committee members present shall be required to accept a new member.

Article II – Purposes The purposes of the Club are: - To foster friendly relationships among Club members, - To develop and participate in events, meetings and other activities of topical, educational, cultural, benevolent or diversionary interests to the membership, and - To promote friendly relations among the American, international and local communities present in the Geneva region.

Article III – Membership All adult individuals are eligible for membership. Not less than 25% of the members must be US citizens.

There are four general classes of membership: 1. Resident; Non-Resident; Junior and Honorary.

Resident members include members residing within 75 kms of Geneva.

2. Non-Resident members are persons residing 75 kms or more from Geneva.

3. Junior members are limited to individuals aged 30 and below.

4. Honorary members are designated by the Executive Committee. Such members will include, among others, the US Ambassadors to Switzerland and the International Organizations in Geneva, and past Club Presidents. With the exception of past Club Presidents who are Honorary Members for life, other Honorary Members are elected annually for one year terms by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee has the right to create additional membership categories.

12 February 2010

Article V – Termination of Membership The Executive Committee may suspend or expel, and at its sole discretion, any member whose conduct is judged by the Executive Committee as being against the interests of the Club.

Article VI – Officers, Executive and other Committees The Officers: - The President, who must be a US citizen, will serve as chief executive officer of the Club and have overall responsibility for operations of the Club under the authority of the Executive Committee; - Three Vice Presidents, at least one of whom must be a US citizen; - The Secretary; and - The Treasurer.

All officers will be elected by the members at the Club's Annual General Meeting for a term of one year.

The Executive Committee: In addition to the officers, the Executive Committee will include: - Four Elected Members, two of whom must be US citizens. Elected Members will be elected by the members at the Club's Annual General Meeting for terms of two years. The terms of two Elected Members expire at the end of one year, and the terms of the other two Elected Members expire at the end of the following year.

- Advisory Members will be three of the last five most recent past Presidents who reside in the Geneva area and will be appointed by the President.

- Members appointed by the President for one year terms with specific responsibilities as approved by the Executive Committee.

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Articles of Association

Article I – Name and Location

Metlife, Inc., NY, NY10166. Peanuts Š2012 Peanuts Worldwide, LLC

METLIFE IS BOLDLY EXPANDING ITS BOUNDARIES. Credit Suisse is helping with stellar acquisitions. credit-suisse.com/clients

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AIC Articles of Association Article X – General Management The general management and operation of the Club are vested in the Executive Committee.

The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may hire such employees, consultants, and agents as may seem necessary or appropriate for the orderly running of the Club.

The day-to-day operations of the Club are vested in the Executive Director who is hired by the Executive Committee.

Article VII – Elections At an appropriate time prior to the Annual General Meeting, the Nominating Committee will propose a slate of officers for election at the Meeting.

Independent nominations for any of the offices to be filled at the Annual General Meeting may be made if proposed in writing by 50 Club members. Such independent nominations shall be filed with the Secretary at least 10 days prior to elections.

When the only candidates are those proposed by the Nominating Committee, approval of the members present at the General Meeting will be determined by a majority show of hands.

Article VIII – Executive Committee Meetings The Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the President or, in his absence, one of the Vice Presidents, or at the request of two elected members.

Seven constitutes a quorum for the meetings of the Executive Committee with resolutions adopted by a majority vote of those present. In case of a tie, the presiding officer has the deciding vote.

Article IX – General Meetings The Club's Annual General Meeting is held in December and called by the Executive Committee with a minimum of 15 days advance notice.

Each Club member has one, equal vote at all General Meetings.

No quorum is required at any General Meeting and resolutions are adopted by the majority of the members present.

Any amendment to the Articles of Association, however, requires the vote of three-quarters or more of the members present.

Article XI – Representative Powers The Executive Committee designates the persons who can represent and sign on behalf of the Club (individually or jointly).

Article XII – Dues and Finances The financial resources of the Club are derived from: - the fees and dues paid by the members as established by the Executive Committee, - the donations and subsidies accepted by the Executive Committee, and - the functions organized by the Club.

Annual membership dues shall be determined by the Executive Committee. Members who have not paid their annual dues by end March will be removed from the list of Club Members for that year.

Club Members are not liable for financial obligations of the Club beyond the payment of their fees and dues.

Article XIII – Auditors The Club's external Auditors will be appointed annually by the President and approved by the Executive Committee.

Article XIV – Liquidation The Club may be liquidated and dissolved upon a vote of three-quarters or more of the members present at a General Meeting called for this purpose or by operation of law.

In the event of liquidation, the Club's assets, after payment of debts and winding-up expenses, shall be disposed of as approved by the members at the General Meeting or in accordance with the law.

Article XV – Historical Record These present Articles of Association replace the previous Club Constitution and By-Laws.

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Articles of Association

Other Committees: There are two permanent Committees; namely, the Club Development and the Nominating Committees.

Each of these Committees shall consist of a minimum of three members named by the Executive Committee.

The Chairs of each of these two Committees shall be previous Club Presidents or Vice Presidents.

The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, may establish other committees, determine their functions and appoint their members.

WORLD RADIO SWITZERLAND OFFERS YOU A WORLD OF PROGRAMMES WRS brings you Switzerland in English by providing all the news and information you need about what’s happening in this country – and talking to the people making it happen.

And WRS brings the world to Switzerland with our partners BBC World Service, NPR, PRI, CBC and ABC. Find out more about our programmes on www.worldradio.ch.

How to Listen Find us across Switzerland on Digital Radio, Internet, Cable and Satellite.

www.worldradio.ch

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The secret is in the sauce O

Education The ten cantonal universities and the two national ones are keen on applied knowledge. The Institutes for Technology in Lausanne and Zurich in particular like to compete in the number of businesses they spin off from their research. I can't tell you how many graduates from these institutes I found launching start ups and working for new companies. ETHZ lists 253 companies as spinoffs from its research. 253!

However, despite having above average results in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in Europe and being second only to Finland in mathematics, it’s remarkable that only 20 percent of high school students go on to a degree or higher degree. Many students choose instead to get involved in training programmes or apprenticeships. It might be for this reason that skill levels in the various professions are extremely high, which brings me onto the second ingredient.

The quest for perfection It’s an ephemeral quality and you won’t find a column for it on a balance sheet, but it makes a difference. It’s more of an attitude than a skill, but it’s widespread and deep in the psyche of the population. I call it the “culture of precision”. It’s the idea of just getting it right, what ever “it” might be.

Here’s an obvious example: Switzerland makes watches of all shapes and sizes. One of the guests on Business Insight made watches that cost more to buy than a Ferrari. We also heard from one of the co-creators of the Swatch, who's breakthrough was to produce the time keeping mechanism for under ten francs. Both makers impressed upon me that turning their designs into reality

could really only be done in Switzerland. Why? Because of the talent and discipline of the watchmakers.

Of course, it’s not only watch making. Switzerland has the world’s most precise printers, the leading makers of certain cloth and our med tech industry is world class.

Switzerland makes the best machines to make other machines. There is, or at least there appears to be, a nationwide obsession with doing the job properly.

If there is one ingredient that accounts for the fact that Switzerland runs a consistent trade surplus in manufactured goods with China, perhaps this is it.

The entrepreneurial ecosystem One key problem that the country faces, according to many of the people I spoke to about starting new businesses, is the entrepreneurial mindset. It might be that highly trained staff and graduates can usually land well paid jobs and so the opportunity cost of taking the leap into creating a business is comparatively steep. But partly it’s a question of attitude and not all Swiss are up for it. In the rapidly growing Lake Leman region, a significant proportion of new businesses are created by expats.

It seems that government is aware of the issue and has developed a pretty extensive network of support to make it easier for people to take the leap. While it is subject to the usual cantonal vs. national fracturing that applies to so many government policies, there is a lot going on out there.

Cantonal initiatives like the ARC of Valais offers not only cheap premises but, crucially, taps into a network of coaches to help advise new companies. Also, there is potentially some money on the table to help deal with legal and patent issues.

Nationally, there is CTI Startup. Under the umbrella of the Department of Economic Affairs, the Commission for Technology and Innovation has a comprehensive programme of assessing, filtering and incubating new businesses. They don’t hand out cash or seed funding, the selling point is rather their extensive network of trainers and mentors who come from the ranks of the business elite across the nation. And they, of course, have their rolodexes. Would-be entrepreneurs who make it through the three stage process find it an effective door opener to those who might be able to bankroll a good idea.

Voilà, the secret sauce: skills, education, attitude and support structure. Blend well with a dedication to innovation and presto: a highly competitive economy.

Pete Forster, World Radio Switzerland

Guest Article

ne of WRS's business shows asks the question, “How come Switzerland is one of the leading industrialized nations on the planet?”. It’s a good question. Here’s another one, how can the country continue to grow while the rest of Europe stagnates and the franc soared 25% in 12 months? And here's a third – why are exports expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2013? Switzerland has no significant natural resources.

In global terms, the domestic market is miniscule. So what is the secret sauce of Swiss business success?

Well, on the programme Business Insight we've been trying to uncover the recipe. Ostensibly, the brief is innovation. It s a nice entrée, at once specific enough to zoom in on new ways of doing things, but broad enough to talk to just about everyone from social marketers to the makers of high end sound systems. And this is what we've found.

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Directory of Advertisers Advertisers

+1 AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB Hôtel InterContinental Ch. Petit-Saconnex 7-9 – P.O. Box 361 1211 Genève 19 022 910 25 80 36 ANGLOINFO Route de Pré-Bois 20 – 1215 Genève 15 022 552 02 02 56 CAGI Route de Ferney 106 – 1202 Genève 022 546 14 00 6 COVANCE CLS SA 7, Rue Moise Marcinhes – 1217 Meyrin 022 989 70 00

16 JT INTERNATIONAL SA 1, Rue de la Gabelle – 1211 Genève 26 022 022 703 07 77 38 LA TOUR RÉSEAU DE SOINS 3, Avenue J.D. Maillard – 1217 Meyrin 022 719 61 11 52 PARTY TIME 54, Chemin Grand-Donzel – 1234 Vessy 022 784 06 07 54 PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS ICC – 20, route de Pré Bois – Case Postale 1887 1215 Genève 15 022 710 09 70

60 CREDIT SUISSE Bel-Air, Place de Bel-Air 2 – 1204 Genève 022 391 21 11

+2 PELICHET NCL SA Route des Jeunes 51-55 – Case Postale 1671 1227 Carouge 022 827 80 00

40 CROWNE PLAZA GENEVA Avenue Louis Casaï 76-77 – 1216 Cointrin 022 710 30 00

34 POLO RALPH LAUREN EUROPE SÀRL 8, Chemin De Blandonnet – 1214 Vernier 022 545 54 00

2 FERRING PHARMACEUTICALS Chemin de la Vergognausaz 50 – 1162 St-Prex/VD 058 301 00 00 10 GENÈVE AEROPORT Route de l'Aéroport 21 – Case postale 100 1218 Grand-Saconnex 022 717 71 11

20 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS 50, avenue Giuseppe Motta – Case Postale 2895 1211 Genève 2 058 792 91 00 52 PROTECTAS SA 8, impasse Colombelle – 1218 Grand-Saconnex 022 710 06 06

-1 HARSCH THE ART OF MOVING 10, Rue Baylon – 1227 Carouge 022 300 43 00

52 SWISSHÔTEL MÉTROPOLE 34, Quai Général Guisan – 1204 Genève 022 318 32 00

10 HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL GENÈVE 7-9, Chemin Du Petit-Saconnex – 1211 Genève 19 022 919 39 39

18 WEBSTER UNIVERSITY 15, Route De Collex – 1293 Bellevue 022 959 80 00

58 INTERDEAN RELOCATION SERVICES Chemin Grenet 18 – ZI De Mouille-Galand 1214 Vernier 022 939 10 10

62 WORLD RADIO SWITZERLAND (WRS) Passage de la Radio 2 – 1205 Genève 022 708 74 44

50 INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY GENEVA ICC, Rte de Pré-Bois 20 – 1215 Genève 022 710 71 10

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Business or pleasure?

Yes.

Whether you’re looking for a business network or a new friend, connect to people of all nationalities at the American International Club of Geneva.

Join now online. www.amclub.ch

American International Club of Geneva